In most states, you also don’t have to file an operating agreement anywhere - just keep it on hand in a secure place for you and your cofounders to access if needed and make sure each member has their own, signed copy. If you decide not to have an operating agreement or decide to only have a verbal operating agreement - again, not recommended - your company will be governed by your state's default rules. While only California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, and New York actually require that an LLC has an operating agreement, we very, very highly recommend drafting one, regardless of where you’re located.
Basically, they’re the way you and your cofounders will outline everything you need to know and do in order to successfully run your startup. Other business formations, like corporations, have articles of incorporation and corporate bylaws, which are similar to operating agreements but not the same. An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the financial rules, responsibilities of founders, how disputes are resolved, and even more of a limited liability corporation (LLC).
